With the advent of warmer spring temperatures, retailers are seizing the opportunity to cater to outdoor enthusiasts by rolling out a diverse array of products tailored for camping adventures.
According to the Korea Tourism Association’s latest data released on Thursday, the tally of campsites across the nation has surged to a record high of 3,747 by the close of last year, marking a substantial increase from the 2,367 recorded in 2019. Notably, the figure breached the 3,000 mark for the first time in 2022.
In line with this upward trend, the Ministry of Interior and Safety notes that the population of campers has consistently surpassed 5 million since 2020, underscoring the enduring popularity of outdoor recreational activities.
Retailers are keenly attuned to this burgeoning demand for camping-related products and are promptly responding with targeted offerings, particularly from mid-March through early April, coinciding with the onset of warmer weather.
Emart, for instance, kicked off a meat sale event on Friday, extending discounts of up to 30 percent to customers redeeming Shinsegae points. Additionally, the retail giant is slated to host discount promotions on whiskey and wine until April 18, further enticing camping enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, Homeplus is enticing outdoor enthusiasts with enticing discounts on camping gear, prominently featuring exclusive Walmart brand Ozark Trail tents and camping chairs, available at markdowns of up to 50 percent until May 1.
In tandem with this retail surge, the franchise industry is strategically adapting to the heightened interest in outdoor pursuits by establishing expansive outlets in prime commercial locales. Notable among these ventures is BBQ’s recent inauguration of a new establishment boasting an outdoor terrace at Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul last month. Moreover, the franchise has expanded its footprint with the opening of a branch in Jamsil Lotte World in southern Seoul, catering to the burgeoning demand for outdoor dining experiences.
As the spring season unfolds and outdoor activities gain momentum, retailers are poised to capitalize on the flourishing camping craze, offering an extensive array of products and services tailored to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts across the nation.